What happened
On April 22, 2024, at approximately 18:26 CDT, a Lancair Legacy FG, registration N550NL, was destroyed in an accident near Spiceless, Texas. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
According to ADS-B data, the aircraft departed Garner Field Airport (UVA) in Uvalde, Texas, at approximately 17:21, bound for Spicewood Airport (88R). After overflying the destination airport, the pilot entered a left traffic pattern for runway 17.
A witness observed that the initial approach was fast and the aircraft ballooned, prompting the pilot to initiate a go-around following a wind gust. During the second approach, the nose landing gear nearly struck the runway before the aircraft banked to the left. The witness reported hearing the engine power increase as the aircraft climbed vertically, yawed to the left, and then descended straight down.
The aircraft impacted the ground on a 125° magnetic heading in a wooded area approximately 350 feet east of the runway. The wreckage came to rest upright, having moved about 20 feet from the initial impact point. A post-impact fire consumed portions of the airframe. The pilot sustained 1 fatal injury.
The investigation
Investigators found that the aileron and elevator push-pull control tubes were destroyed by fire. While the right rudder control cable remained connected to the rudder pedal assembly and bellcrank, the left rudder control cable was separated from the pedal assembly due to the impact.
The engine was recovered in an inverted position with evidence of impact and thermal damage. A borescope examination of the cylinders showed no anomalies, and the crankshaft, camshaft, and valvetrain were confirmed to be continuous. All four cylinders achieved thumb compression and suction. Due to thermal damage, the ignition system could not be field-tested, and no anomalies were found in the fuel system.
The propeller was separated from the engine due to the impact. The blades showed chordwise abrasions, leading edge gouges, and longitudinal twisting, while the spinner exhibited torsional deformation.